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IKEADDD showcasing the brand’s designs and latest releases

June 13, 2016

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Last week I was in Sweden attending the Democratic Design Days by IKEA. The IKEADDD is organized annually, and it’s all about discussing the impact of design on our everyday life, especially in making affordable and sustainable designs at the same time.

This year, IKEADDD was inspired by the LIFE AT HOME. Sounds simple doesn’t it? What is a home? Is it a physical place or a spiritual one? Is it where you sleep and rest, or is it where you build relationships and memory? Life at home differs from one person to another, from one culture to another, but it all revolves around one major point, which is the comfort place for a human to be.

By 2030, 7 out of 10 people would be living in the city, meaning smaller spaces, less time at home, more time at work dealing with a fast paced life. Smaller spaces also mean the extreme need to rising living standards, which means organization and functional storage is a must, because you can’t really live in a cluttered small space now can you?

With that said, this year IKEA is launching 2,000 new articles across the world to be added into their enormous product line, here is an insight of what I have gathered first head during my visit to IKEA One.

As mentioned earlier, as the years pass, people will be leaving in small spaces, urbanization means that life at home is about to become more limited in space. While many people are currently there, the number will be decreased enormously. By 2050, it is expected that 3 out of 4 people will be living in the city, which means each space at home needs to be carefully planner, and possibly be multifunctional. IKEA offers many versatile solutions; here are some that would interest you.

Isn’t that kitchen just right for a tight space? The table folds in and out when needed. Behind the table a pantry hides in plain sight, and the folder table doubles as a rack for the tea towels and more. The space below the table serves as shelves that can be utilized for fresh produce or just about anything while the very top shelf is great for bottles and spices.

One of the most fascinating things I have seen has influenced my husband thousands of miles away, and i can see why. Growing your own plants and produce at home is no longer a hobby. Many people do it decorate their home and have fresh produce available within arm’s reach when preparing meals. Surprisingly (I’m surprised as I thought the number would be much lower), six in ten people across cities are bringing nature into their urban homes.

With that said many people have issues growing at home. Personally as Lara, I tend to think that I don’t know where to start so I stick to flowers and try to ensure that they aren’t high maintenance as i don’t have the time especially with Jordan’s climate, plants really do require your undivided attention. While my reasons for not planting much are among the same barriers by people from the IKEA Life at home report who had the same reasons at 14% and 28% respectively, the majority of 42% said they didn’t have the place to grow plants. Which brings me to share my next project at home when the product becomes available, let the pictures inspire you…

The kitchen featured below is made out of waste and recycled wood. I’m really motivated to learn that IKEA is moving to work towards a more sustainable society through innovative ways to minimizing waste. While I would like to dwell more on this topic because it’s among my topics of interest, I’ve actually met the designer behind both and managed to have a nice 15 minute chat with Iina Vuorivirta, so I’ll save the mesmerizing details for another post…

The IKEADDD had so much to offer, here is an Exlusive behind the scenes from upcoming designs that could be hitting your local IKEA Soon!

The JASSA Collection, inspired by Indonesian Craftsmanship

SVÄRTAN CollectionTextured and modern interpretation of India

SÄLLSKAP CollectionRedefines traditional that brings together old & new

AVSIKTLIG CollectionTakes Sweden’s design heritage into the future of IKEA

LATTJO CollectionSparks the imagination and together time

SPRIDD CollectionBy British Designer Kit Neale

Finally, saving the best for last, IKEA’s Social Entrepreneurs. Social entrepreneurs are in the business of making everyday life better in their communities. They use business as a way to tackle social and environmental challenges such as reforestation, reducing poverty and empowering women. IKEA actually have a long-term partnership with various social entrepreneurs around the world. If this isn’t impressive enough, the products that are co-created are all made by hand and offered in limited numbers to be sold in selected stores. Profits all go back to supporting the initiative and keeping the wheel going. If you’re interested in learning more about this check out this inpiring video https://youtu.be/gmlpwIRmuBY

IKEA Social Entrepreneurs an innovative way to contribute to social change in local communities

That’s it for now… I still have a lot more to share, but i figured I’ll keep you coming back for more, because this is a journey worth writing about, and I’d like to do it justice by sharing all that I could. Stay tuned for more.